The Arabian
Desert between the Red Sea and the Nile is not only rich in sand but also in
gems, gold, minerals and stones. Appreciated by the old Egyptians, the quarries
supplied them with pillars, sarcophagus and other building material for the
pyramids and temples and with gems for all the jewellery and decoration we
still can admire.
The Romans
as well resorted to these treasures and improved the art of quarrying. In Wadi
Hammamat, between el Quesir and Quena, lies Mons Claudianus, allegedly the best
preserved Roman settlement amongst several quarries.
No matter
whether you’re standing aloft the fort or inside: whatever the visitor gets to
see is simply fascinating: In the middle of the mountains, in the middle of the
desert, in the middle of nothing and under the unforgiving blazing sun lie the
ruins of the settlement. Apparently, Mons Claudianus was not just a simple
temporary dwelling, but rather a luxurious home for well-paid craftsmen, who
lacked for nothing. The one, who takes his time for a stroll between the
laneways, will marvel even more: walls made by perfectly piled up stone slabs
and well preserved mud bricks, water basins and bathtubs with steps, alcoves
and water channels. Thousands of shards lie about – what was once stored
inside?